New Delhi. Jowar is a vigorous cereal grain in terms of nutrients. It is rich in protein, carbohydrates and fiber. The presence of almost all types of B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, copper and phosphorus makes it more special. For this reason, it is also called a superfood like millet.
International Millet Year – 2023 Yogi government will increase its emphasis by telling people and farmers the merits of jowar.
Jowar cultivation potential in Uttar Pradesh
According to the data of Directorate of Economics and Statistics Ministry of Agriculture from 2013 to 2016 the yield per quintal of jowar in India is 870 kg. The average yield of Uttar Pradesh during this period was 891 kg. Andhra Pradesh had the highest yield of 1814 kg during this period. According to the updated data of the Agriculture Department, its yield in Uttar Pradesh has increased to 1643 kg per hectare in 2022. Despite this, it is less than the top yielding Andhra Pradesh. This difference in yield is also a possibility for Uttar Pradesh. This gap can be filled with improved methods of cultivation, sowing of seeds of good varieties. This is also the purpose of the International Millet Year. The production of jowar and the continuous increase in the area for the last three years along with the yield is a good sign for the state.
tide is useful
It is noteworthy that jowar is the second major crop after millets in the millets. It is useful in both food and fodder form. For this, only 40-60 cm of water is needed. Therefore, its crop can be taken only in the irrigated area with the help of rain.
no cost farming
The merits of tides do not end here. It can be cultivated on any type of land. There should be proper drainage system in it. For this no special preparation of the field is required. Being resistant to diseases, it does not require insecticides. Overall, it is cost-effective as compared to wheat, paddy and sugarcane.
Agriculture is being done in India since ancient times
In India, before the Green Revolution, there has been a rich tradition of cultivation of other coarse cereals including jowar since ancient times. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also talked about Millets Revolution in Mann Ki Baat. India also celebrated the year of Millets in 2018. On the proposal of India, the United Nations Organization (UNO) has declared 2023 as the International Millet Year. In view of this, on the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a comprehensive strategy has been prepared to make people and farmers aware about the merits of coarse grains.
Program to highlight the merits of millets
A two-day workshop will be organized at the state level. In this subject experts, progressive farmers from all over the state will be trained about improved methods of cultivation, storage and processing of coarse grains. Similar training programs will be run in districts also.
Proposed program to encourage farming
In this sequence, under the National Food Security Mission, two-day farmers’ fairs will be organized in the districts (Jhansi, Hamirpur, Banda, Fatehpur, Jalaun, Prayagraj, Hardoi, Mathura, Farrukhabad etc.) In this there will be direct interaction of farmers with scientists. Rallies will be taken out to make people aware about the merits. For the promotion of their merits at the state level, aggressive campaign will also be launched through Doordarshan, All India Radio, FM Radio, dailies, banners, posters in public places.
Nutrients found in 100 grams of jowar
Cholesterol-Zero. Calorie – 339. Carbohydrates-74.3 grams. Fiber 6.3 grams. Protein 11.3 grams. Total Fat – 3.3 grams. Saturated fat 0.5 g. Monosaturated fat 1.0 g. Polyunsaturated fat 1.4 g. Omega-3 fatty acids 65 mg. Omega-6 fatty acids 1305 mg.
Vitamins found in milligrams
Vitamin B1- 0.2
Vitamin B2 – 0.1
Vitamin B3 – 2.9
Vitamin B5 – 0.367
Vitamin B6 – 0.443
Vitamin E – 0.50
Calcium – 28.0
Iron – 4.4
Magnesium – 165
Phosphorus – 287
Potassium – 350
Sodium – 6.0
Zinc – 1.7
Copper – 0.284
Selenium – 12.2
Jowar cultivation progress in three years
Year Area Production Productivity
2021- 1.71 2.70 15.78
2022- 2.15 3.40 15.80
2023- 2.24 3.54 16.43